Cornish chef, food photographer and author James Strawbridge is the driving force behind Strawbridge Kitchen. He lives on the South Cornish coast with his wife Holly and their three young children. He works for a wide range of food and drink brands from his garden photography studio and development kitchen. When not developing new recipes or directing photo shoots, James can be found foraging for wild food with his family, out at sea gig-rowing for his local club or painting the Cornish countryside.
At St Michaels Resort
The Fal Oyster Weekend
15-17 November
Mark it in your calendar! After the sad news of the cancellation of the Falmouth Oyster Festival, we’re going to step in and keep the celebrations alive in November with a community event here at St Michaels in November.
After sponsoring the Festival for over 20 years, it holds a special place in our heart. It’s a key event in our community and a tradition that runs deep in the local area. Expect live music from the Oggymen, Will Keating, Soul Sensations, the Military Wives Choir and many more as well as foodie demonstrations from esteemed chefs Jude Kereama, James Strawbridge, Hylton Espey and more.
Entry will be free until 6pm, with evening tickets available to purchase in advance or on the door for a £2 contribution to charity.
THE CHEFS
Friday 15th
James Strawbridge
Friday 15th
Jude Kereama
Chef/owner Jude Kereama is a New Zealander who has won awards for his restaurants in both London and Auckland before moving down to Cornwall. Chosen to represent the South West in Great British Menu, Jude strives to give their customers an experience to remember with their award-winning food, extensive wine list and relaxed yet attentive service at 3-rosette Kota in Porthleven.
Saturday 16th
Rupert Cooper
Once a professional rugby player, now an incredibly talented chef. Rupert Cooper learnt from the best at Michelin-star restaurants, including Sat Bain’s in Nottingham, Paul Ainsworth’s No.6 in Padstow and Rick Stein’s. Nowadays he’s the proud owner and Head Chef at Philleigh Way, a Cornish cookery school renowned for its authentic and refreshingly unpretentious approach to cooking great food. Rupert’s lifelong passion for food, his love of quality Cornish seasonal produce, and a desire to get people together to sample it all make him a great private chef.
Saturday 16th
Chris Eden
Born and bred in Cornwall, and having spent most of his career in the south west, Chris has also spent time in London, cooking under Paul Gayler at The Lanesborough, under Chris Galvin at The Orrery, and for Phil Howard at The Square, before he returned to Cornwall in 2007 to take up his position at Driftwood. Chris joined Gidleigh Park in September 2019. Chris' menus are contemporary with a nod to tradition, supporting local Devonshire farmers and producers to ensure that only the finest quality ingredients make it onto the plate.
Saturday 16th
Darren Kerley
Local boy and St Michaels' Head Chef Darren Kerley is back on Cornish home soil, having spent years under the tutelage of Marco Pierre-White and pioneering chef Alain Senderens. With a food philosophy that champions the purity of local produce, Darren is making waves in Falmouth’s burgeoning food scene, with his unique light cooking techniques retaining flavour and elevating individual ingredients to sing on every plate at our two restaurants, Brasserie on the Bay and Nourish.
Sunday 17th
Hylton Epsey
Proud winners of Falmouth's first MICHELIN Green Star in 2023, Culture with Hylton Epsey is the realisation of a lifelong dream between two chefs from culinary school who fell in love with cooking, wine and each other. After globetrotting experiences across the world they have found ourselves at home in Cornwall for the last six years. These experiences, working and eating, have instilled a passion for sharing their journey through food and wine.
THE MUSIC
Friday 15th
Falmouth Soul Sensation
Falmouth Soul Sensation was formed in 2007 by Bob Black to give opportunities to young singers and musicians to gain experience of working in a large band environment. Playing classic soul from the likes of Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, the Supremes, Marvellettes, Martha and the Vandellas and many more, their sparkling female harmonies and upbeat horn section, the talented rhythm section drives this outfit through a joyous performance of individuals who simply love to play together.
Sunday 17th
The Oggymen
From Falmouth, The Oggymen have built a reputation for tight harmonies and inspiring performances that convey the rugged beauty of the Duchy of Cornwall. Entertaining both visitors and locals with their unique arrangements of Cornish and contemporary folk songs, they have won recognition for the passion and pride they convey through their music.
Friday 15th
The Wave Machine
The Wave Machine is the musical project of Cornwall based multi-instrumentalist Angus Trott. His music is a blend of live looping guitar, bass, trumpet and percussion, inspired by the ways of the ocean. The unique combination of sounds is infused with good vibes, providing a chilled out and uplifting atmosphere for listeners. As a solo artist, Angus has been recognised by the buzzing surf and surf-music communities around the world with his music featured on many popular surf playlists and radio shows.
Friday 15th
Will Keating & Special Guests
Will can often be found singing with The Oggymen. In 2016, Will took the decision to also try his luck at gigging alone with Acoustic Guitar and stomp box. Totally inspired by Cornwall’s rich History and Heritage, and the songs penned by his mentor Harry “Safari” Glasson, he hit the road! Will combines Harry’s, and his own songs, with traditional Cornish and Celtic folk songs and has received accolades from far and wide. He'll be joined by some very special guests from a local primary school for this unique performance.
Saturday 16th
Culdrose Military Wives Choir
Connecting nearly 2000 women in the military community and creating a support network through the
power of singing, the Military Wives Choir marked its 10th anniversary in 2022. The Culdrose Choir entertains audiences throughout Cornwall each year and we're thrilled to welcome them to the stage at the Fal Oyster Weekend.
Friday 15th
Men Are Singing
The acclaimed social art project/brainchild of artist and composer Seamas Carey, began life six years ago as an inquiry into why younger men weren’t joining choirs. They have since developed into a 50-man-strong chorus, headlining festivals and inventing new traditions, with a surprising mix of barnstorming covers and heart-warming original compositions.
2-nights from £245pp
Book a Break
Make a weekend of it and spend the Friday and Saturday night in the comfort of St Michaels. With breakfast included daily, a 2-hour spa session and £50 voucher per person to use on food and drink at the festival!